Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and also new to owning a Diesel! I recently bought a 2005 Sierra 2500HD crew cab to plow with, and maybe do some hauling. (5th wheels, boats) I was wondering what type of programmer i should buy- assuming I should buy one- and what programs would work the best for plowing, hauling, and everyday driving. I understand all 3 are more than likely different. So is it possible to have a programmer with all 3 programs pumped in, and to switch at the click of a button as i disconnect the plow to hook onto a trailer to haul 1000 miles then drive home for decent gas mileage with no load.

Thanks!

:welcome2: moved to 2nd gen electronics. you'll get better answers here

Only Edge Attitude and Banks module systems offer tune change on the fly. All others require a stop and change of tune. Now EFILive offers a DSP5 tune feature that uses a base tune and then 4 additional tunes that offer some variation off the base tune. It uses a rotary switch to switch between them and can be changed on the fly. You have a couple options here. buy a preprogrammed ECM and switch from one of the good EFILive tuners here and you are set to go. Or buy the hardware interface EFILive Flashscan V2 from one of the tuners with the tune and make the changes to your own ECM. I have only dealt with Nick from DuramaxTuner and have good service from him.

Now for plowing or towing here you really don't need more power. More power results in higher EGT Exhaust Gas Temperatures. So a tune with 40HP more than stock is the recommend for towing and more than likely with plowing. Now since you got an 2005 LLY it has a VVT Variable vain turbo and this allows when you select you tow tune under EFILive you can have a turbine brake added for help in slowing down. Edge does not offer this and Banks has that for an extra system add on. Now for mileage that can be tricky. All these Duramaxes run so different even though they are the same. One Duramax may do better than another on one tune and then change the tune and the worst truck may out do the other one when it runs that tune. The best mileage maker is your right foot and stay under 2000 rpm and under 60 to 65 on the 5 speed Allison like in the 2005 LLY.

Also welcome to the forum. Lots of great info here. To help you out be sure to make use of the Search Tool. If you have a question it probably has been asked before. Also if you search on Google many results point to post here too. At the top of many of the forum sections are sticky post that contain some great info as well. Also when you get a chance fill out your Signature with info on your truck as well as mods that are done. Helps seeing that info to get better and quicker answers to your questions.

Brian

My dealer warned me not to use the Edge, so I went Banks PDA and have been towing my 16,000GVWR 5th wheel since 2007. It worked perfectly, until I stopped listening to the experts. I was told to tow on setting 2 and no more and to not go over setting 3 and get on it in the higher gears.

I towed on 3 and started having heat and slipping in the trans. Then I went heavy on the long pedal on the highway in setting 4 and limped it.

I now have a new transmission.

The Banks system will make the power. On setting 7 (SL), on a bone-stock truck with just a Banks exhaust, it was close to 800 lb-ft at the wheels by someone who doesn't know how to dyno a diesel (didn't lock it in gear, started pull at 2100RPM,...).

Next is a lift pump, water/meth, and playtime with my EFI live!

I heard that crewcab's frames were not strong enough to bolt up a plow.

^^^^^who ever told you that is retarted.......

And to add to what Tanc Crusher said, if you do decide to go the EFILive route, with either a replacement ECM or the FlashScan 2, you can get an Edge Insight CS or CTS to monitor your your truck, read and reset codes, and with the Edge setup you can change your 'tunes" on the fly.